Senior Research Associate, Analytical Chemistry

Who we are:

Calico (Calico Life Sciences LLC) is an Alphabet-founded research and development company whose mission is to harness advanced technologies and model systems to increase our understanding of the biology that controls human aging. Calico will use that knowledge to devise interventions that enable people to lead longer and healthier lives.

Position description:

Calico is seeking a Senior Research Associate with strong expertise in analytical chemistry. To succeed, you will need to be exacting and precise in your work, and comfortable working on challenging, complex problems. This is a hands-on bench position, focused on supporting core functions of the mass spectrometry group. You will operate and continuously improve crucial analysis pipelines for metabolomics and lipidomics from sample preparation and LC-MS/MS analysis through to data QC, as well as work to develop new LC-MS methods. This is a collaborative position working with a wide variety of scientists and engineers to answer fundamental questions about the biology of aging and disease.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare metabolomics and lipidomics samples from tissues, cells, and biofluids and analyze them by LC-MS/MS
• Maintain, operate, and troubleshoot HPLCs and mass spectrometers
• Evaluate mass spectrometry data quality; investigate and resolve issues that produce poor quality data
• Manage the lab's chemical standard inventory and spectral libraries; analyze standards by LC-MS/MS to generate high quality reference data
• Develop and optimize sample preparation protocols and LC-MS methods

Position requirements:

• BS/MS degree (PhD not required), in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related field
• 4+ years of experience in an analytical chemistry lab operating HPLCs, GCs, or mass spectrometers
• Excellent wet lab skills, with a desire to continuously improve lab practices and protocols
• Incredible attention to detail and driven to generate the highest quality data
• The ability to communicate effectively with collaborators via presentation, writing, and conversation
• Must be willing to work onsite at least four days per week

Other Desirable Qualifications:

• Prior work analyzing complex biological samples for metabolomics/small molecule analysis
• Experience developing new chromatography or mass spectrometry methods on Agilent HPLCs or Sciex triple quadrupole mass spectrometers
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with automated liquid handling systems, like the Hamilton Vantage
• Experience using R or python for data analysis and visualization

Calico requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, Calico will consider requests for Reasonable Accommodations.